London: The LGBT community in Britain still has to hide their sexuality even almost half a century after homosexuality was decriminalised in Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Saturday.
Cameron’s message marked Pride in London Day when Britain’s capital celebrated its LGBT community, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Pride says to Londoners, Britain and the world: be yourself. Live freely and openly,” said Cameron, in what was his first message since announcing about his intention to resign in the wake of Brexit — Britain’s exit from the European Union.
“We come together in the shadow of the absolutely appalling attack in Orlando two weeks ago. Young people cut down in their prime by senseless, cold-blooded violence. People enjoying a normal Saturday night out because of their sexuality,” Cameron added while describing this year’s London festival as a commemoration.
“This was a direct attack on the LGBT community. And it was an attack, once again, on our values and our way of life. So we stand with the people of Orlando… We should also resolve to never allow this terror attack to change who we are or how we go about our lives,” he said.
In 2017 Pride will mark 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain, a landmark moment for LGBT equality.
“But there are more laws that need to be passed; more support to be offered and above all, more attitudes to be changed,” Cameron said.
The theme for this year’s Pride in London, #NoFilter, asks people to “live your life as you”, even in the face of violence and discrimination.
–IANS